357 Reload information

[DLButler]

I will be getting my 357 BB from Bud's layaway soon and need some reload information.  I currently reload for all my handguns but this is the first rifle.  I currently use Bullseye, CCI primers and Berries bullets.  I want to have everything ready to I need for these new reloads, such as the best type of bullets (WC, SWC, RN, etc).  I plan on break-in with factory ammo then the reloads.  I will make some test loads for sizing and cycling.  I have a subscription to Loaddata.com but all of their data is geared toward handguns.  I know that any info is not to be taken as gospel and will have to check out the data given.
 
Thanks for any help you guys can give me.

[mnh2obuff]

The Sierra, Speer and Hornady manuals all have a .357 rifle section. I usually load so that it falls within either the handgun or rifle ranges for multiple use.

[jlchucker]

I use data from the rifle section in the Lyman Reloading Handbook 48th edition for my Rossi 92 loads.  Did they drop them from the 49th edition?

[bilmac]

I just use my ammo interchangeably. SWC bullets probably won't feed too well, otherwise not much needs to be specific as to gun. What I have done over the years is that most of my loads have been worked up in either my Marlin or Handi. and then if they are acceptable in my 6 shooters they are good to go. To me a good load is one that works in all my 357's. It isn't that hard to do with the 357 cartridge. Start shooting what you already have loaded, you will probably find that a lot of it is perfectly good for your rifle.

[DLButler]

Thanks for the help guys. 

[GRAMPS 94]

Use ONLY round bullets with a flat nose. They Must have a good crimp. Just in case my crimp isnt good, I only put four in at a time. Factory loads I fill er up. Also, do not let  any of them drop down in while holding the Henry verticle to load it up. Have it on its side and let them slide down slowly. Sometimes you get a rifle that isnt just right at feeding or ejecting. Give it a few hundred to get broke in. AND dont hesitate to call the factory. It took awhile but now i have a great Henry. Have fun

[DLButler]

Gramps
Would you recommend using the Factory Crimp Die?  Also, why not let them drop down?  I am used to doing a few hundred for break-in.  I have to Kahr's and they require at least 200 rounds to be considered starting to break-in.
Thanks for the recommendations.

[Rickk]

If you let them drop down and you have a high primer, you risk the remote chance of setting the mag tube off.  In theory a  primer that isn't seated isn't "set" against the anvil so it shouldn't go off, but why risk it? Maybe it is high because there is powder buildup in there and it is set but still high.

I just lay mine down on a bench and slide them in one after the other. It is painless....way easier on the fingers then loading a side loaded magazine tube.

As far as the factory crimp die, they are great. They make case length a bit less critical, and there is little chance of shaving lead during the crimping operation like there is when seating and crimping in one operation.

[keith44]

+1 what bilmac said, rifles are pretty forgiving, and accuracy will not come in until it is completely broken in.


The only .357 I load for is Dad's Colt Python, it likes Hornady's XTP's (158 grain) and W296 (starting level loads)

[DLButler]

Thanks RickK ad Keith,
It makes sense now about dropping the rounds down the tube.  I just never thought of it.